El Güero Canelo, the iconic Tucson eatery known for its Sonoran hot dogs, announced plans to close its original location at 5201 S. 12th Ave. on July 7.
However, owner Daniel Contreras plans to open a new, state-of-the-art restaurant with a drive-thru next door.
A New Chapter for a Tucson Institution
Contreras began with a food truck in 1993, helping to popularize the Sonoran hot dog. His El Güero Canelo restaurants became a Tucson institution and earned a James Beard Foundation 2018 America’s Classics award.
The new restaurant will feature a rooftop deck and a modern design. However, construction has continuously faced delays due to rising material costs. Additionally, he has applied for a liquor license and plans to serve beer and margaritas at all three locations. Once approved, Contreras intends to retire and pass the family business to his two sons. For more information on the expansion, read the KGUN 9 article ‘This is the crown of my career:’ El Guero Canelo’s new spot rises on Southside.
Continued Service at Other Locations
El Güero Canelo will continue to operate its other Tucson locations at 2480 N. Oracle Rd. and 5802 E. 22nd St.
Keep up with El Guero Canelo on Instagram.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
